Abstract
Background: The prevalence of depression is higher in elderly individuals residing in nursing homes (old age homes) than that of elderly living in their own residential localities. Aim: The main objective of this study was to assess the relationship between the depression levels of the elderly people residing in an old age home and their oral hygiene status, with follow up for improvement of the oral hygiene status, following adequate self care and oral hygiene instructions. Materials and Method: A single institutional cross sectional study was conducted at Valsaravakam, Chennai. 23 elderly citizens living in an old age home were examined in the study and administered with a questionnaire consisting of Geriatric depression scale–Short Form(GDS-SF). Adequate self care and oral hygiene motivation was performed. Statistical Analysis: ANOVA, Post HOC tests (Tukey analysis) and T-Tests were used to analyze the data. Results: The depression level is more prevalent in the elderly individuals suffering a continuous state of depression. Even after continuous motivation and implementation of instructions for proper oral hygiene maintenance, the outcome was unsatisfactory in this category of depressed individuals. Conclusion: Special attention needs to be given to the elderly citizens residing in old age homes to wards regular health checkups, treatment modalities and self hygiene care, as their efficiency in leading their life is questioned
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